Development Officer – Foundations and Government Funding
Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Officer (DO) will both work to cultivate new donor relationships and steward existing funders to build the revenue potential of the Major Gifts team and assist in the achievement of the team’s overall fundraising goal.
The DO works closely with conservation staff to ensure that proposals and development letters reflect WWF-Canada’s conservation priorities and that proposed projects, activities, programs, and budgets also reflect conservation interests and priorities. S/he is expected to have in-depth knowledge of WWF-Canada’s conservation work and impacts and thus the capacity to discuss conservation work and priorities with funders and prospective donors and funders in a sophisticated and substantive manner.
The DO is responsible for ensuring that funding opportunities with foundations and government are pursued in a timely manner, with thoughtful strategic approaches, and according to conservation priorities – in this context, the DO plays a role in facilitating proposal development by bringing together relevant conservation staff as appropriate.
The DO has a responsibility as a donor manager ensuring accountability requirements of funders and has a mandate to develop relationships with conservation and operations staff to meet organizational commitments and fulfill contractual / funding agreement requirements.
The DO actively contributes to the Major Gifts team development of strategies and fundraising goals by bringing forward challenges, solutions, and ideas on an ongoing basis and during planning sessions.
Key Responsibilities:
• Identify and cultivate new potential funders and develop proposals accordingly.
• Manage a portfolio of 50-75 funders and prospects that are capable of making a gift of $100,000 or more
• Work closely with other members of the Major Gifts, Strategic Partnerships, and Planned Giving Teams to executive activities and ensure a donor-centred approach to fundraising.
• Provide funder stewardship support through impact reporting, hosting meetings, and developing stewardship strategies
• Develop and implement strategies to increase existing funders’ giving levels and commitments.
• Keep up to date, accurate records and activity reports for each funder and prospect in RE
• Mentor and support other Major Gift team members and other members of the larger WWF staff family as required regarding cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.
• Participate as a active member of the Development Team in budget and business planning and in overall achievement of the departments objectives
Key Qualifications and Experience:
• Undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum 5 years in fund development and/or marketing
• Proven project management skills with planning and follow-up experience
• Experience working effectively with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to set priorities, complete work with minimal supervision and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of and/or education in environmental/sustainability issues an asset
Skills and Abilities Required:
• Demonstrated ability in the development and presentation of successful Foundation proposals
• Excellent communicator – both verbal and written
• Effective presentation skills
• Highly developed interpersonal, negotiation and management skills
• Understanding of, appreciation for and proven ability effectively stewarding donors/funders
• Ability to think strategically and work independently
• Understands the interrelationships within the organization
• Able to work with a diverse group of stakeholders in a collegial manner
• Organized, detail oriented with strong follow-through
• Excellent computer skills and experience with Raiser’s Edge
Other Information:
This is a permanent, full-time position, based in Toronto or Vancouver.
How To Apply:
Excited about this opportunity because you want to join WWF-Canada, the world’s leading global environmental organization? Do you think you are the ideal candidate for this position? Please briefly tell us why in your cover letter. A resume and cover letter referencing position MG234 and salary expectations should be emailed to ca- jobs@wwfcanada.org. by November 14, 2011. No phone calls please.